Colour wise

- Be safe

You may have read about the possibility of allergy with some hair colorants.
Here, find out some facts about allergy and how to make sure you can be colour wise.
Colour well, colour wise.

1. What is an allergy?
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‘Allergy’ is a term that is often misused to describe all kinds of adverse reactions. In fact, many consumers may have experienced some sort of sensory perception during hair colouring some time in the past, but only a very small number of these reactions are an allergy.

There are two main types of adverse reactions that may be experienced: irritant reactions and allergic reactions.

Irritant reactions are the most common adverse reactions and should not be confused with allergic reactions. An irritant type of reaction occurs rapidly following use of a product and does not involve the immune system. Redness of the skin, sometimes with stinging or itching, is characteristic of an irritant effect. This is limited to the site of contact and clears up rapidly after ceasing to use the product that is causing the problem.

Allergic reactions are excessive reactions by our bodies to substances in our environment that are harmless to the majority. Unlike irritant reactions, allergic reactions involve the body’s immune system. Allergies are a widespread issue today. Allergies can arise as a reaction to both natural and synthetic substances found in a person’s environment or food.

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2. Am I likely to have an allergy after colouring my hair?
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Millions of people all over the world use hair colorants without experiencing any unwanted effects. The number of severe allergic reactions to substances used in hair colorants is very small given the fact that they are used by millions of people every day. European figures show that the incidence of marked or severe allergic reaction to hair colorants is approximately three- five in every million units sold ∗.

∗ Krasteva, M., Bons, B., Tozer, S., Rich, K., Hoting, E., Hollenberg, D., Fuchs, A., Fautz, R. “Contact allergy to hair colouring products. The cosmetovigilance experience of 4 companies (2003-2006). Eur J Dermatol 2010; 20 (1): 85-95

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3. What's the Allergy Alert Test?
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The Allergy Alert Test represents an important precaution and provides an indication that a reaction may occur if you go on to colour your hair. The Allergy Alert Test simply means checking whether you are likely to tolerate the hair colorant of choice on a small, discreet skin area.

Manufacturers advise performing an Allergy Alert Test before using permanent hair colorants. A positive reaction is a clear signal that your body may have been sensitised to a substance in that product. As indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions you must wait 48 hours for the body’s biological mechanism to work to see if you react to a test before you can go ahead and colour your hair. If you see redness, swelling or sensitivity (for example skin pricking) then do not use the product. Also do not pick another brand since that might contain the same ingredient which led to your reaction. See your doctor or dermatologist to investigate further.

This test represents an important precaution. However, be aware that even if an Allergy Alert Test has been carried out you may still experience an allergic reaction when you colour your hair. The Allergy Alert Test is not a guarantee of avoiding future allergic reactions. Please consult a doctor, if you have any doubts.

4. Why should I do the Allergy Alert Test 48 hours
before colouring my hair?
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Waiting 48 hours for the test result can seem inconvenient but we are constrained by biology; the delayed contact allergy reaction may take up to 48 hours to develop. If you cut corners, you risk missing a positive reaction. The test recommended by the respective manufacturers is the best available, tailored to each of the many different products on the market. Independently reviewed research shows that the Allergy Alert Test is highly effective when carried out as instructed.

It is important to know that we can’t cut corners on timing. However there are other possible alternatives if you want to colour your hair quickly, such as hair mascaras or some temporary hair colorants. It is always important though with any hair colouring product to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

5. What do I do if I have a reaction to the Allergy
Alert Test?
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If you have a reaction to the Allergy Alert Test (such as experiencing any stinging or burning and/or rash and/or swelling) do not go ahead and colour your hair, even with a product you may have used before. Contact the manufacturer (careline or helpline numbers are provided on the pack), the company will help you and your doctor organise diagnostic patch-testing with a dermatologist. This will identify which ingredient led to the reaction. You must not use any product containing that ingredient in future, even another manufacturer.

Consult a doctor or seek medical advice.

If you have any further questions, contact the manufacturer (careline or helpline numbers are provided on the pack).

6. I have coloured my hair safely in the past.
Should I still do the test?
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Yes, you always should do the Allergy Alert Test. First, the hair colorant you are planning to use may feature a hair dye you haven’t used before. Secondly, and most importantly, allergies can develop over time and they can be also caused by other products, for example temporary "black henna" tattoos. Therefore, one should always carry out the Allergy Alert Test for reassurance.

7. I heard tattoos can cause hair dye allergies.
Is this correct?
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Certain temporary henna tattoos, primarily the darker and black ones, can induce an allergy which can become evident the next time you colour your hair. Many of these temporary "black henna" tattoos have been shown to contain the same ingredients used, legally and safely, in hair colorants, but at much higher concentrations which remain on the skin for a long time. This is an illegal use of hair colouring ingredients. It is important to remember you can develop an allergy to a hair colorant at any time, even if you’ve never had any problems before.